Exposed Aggregate Finish

Many customers, wanting a slightly different look, opt for an exposed aggregate finish. This process removes the top layer of fine concrete, thus exposing the underlying aggregate.

While there are a number of ways this can be achieved, the most common, and most efficient is simply water blasting off the top layer.

Sharp Concrete Cutters and Drillers are regularly called in by concrete placing contractors (as well as our other main contractors) to expose the aggregate. To do this, we send out our slurry control truck which is fitted with a high power water blaster.

But the question remains – what happens to that fine layer of concrete that is removed? That top layer contains slurry and is highly toxic. Our slurry control truck is engaged to collect the runoff and thus eliminating the potential environmental hazard.

exposed aggregate finish

Call Sharp Concrete Cutting and Drilling today to discuss how we can enhance the look of your project with an exposed aggregate finish. 0800 232 816

Concrete cutting and drilling produces slurry.

Slurry contains calcium carbonate, is a base with a high ph level, is detrimental to marine flora and fauna, and so it is illegal to dump it into sewers, storm water systems, or natural waterways. As such it is important that slurry control is put in place.

Sharp Concrete Cutters and Drillers Ltd provide a comprehensive slurry control service.

With its dedicated slurry truck, Sharp Concrete Cutters and Drillers Ltd can remove 2500 litres of slurry. The truck also holds 1000 litres of water and has a high-pressure water blasting unit. Our truck has also been used in aggregate exposing and acid washing applications.

We also have a number of 600-litre slurry tanks and are committed to leaving every job clean and tidy.

Call Sharp Concrete Cutters and Drillers Ltd today to discuss how we can help you achieve your project goals. Freephone 0800 232 816.

Drilling Through a Finished Wall

There are times when clients require drilling through a finished wall.

In situations like that, slurry needs to be eliminated.

As can be seen from the images below, there was no slurry on either the finish or exposed concrete wall.

Drilling Through a Finished Wall

For more information on our concrete drilling services, click here.

Core drilling techniques are used when tradespeople require precise, circular holes drilled.

Any hole, from 12mm to 500mm diameter, can be achieved to make openings for plumbing, electrical, telecommunications

Stitch drilling is a process where we drill a series of overlapping holes in order to make openings.

Nelson Street Cycleway

Sharp Concrete Cutters and Drillers Ltd was engaged by Hawkins to drill holes to facilitate the installation of bollards and LED lighting that is mentioned as a feature of the new Nelson Street Cycleway.

This article appeared in New Zealand Construction News.

Nelson Street Cycleway

Designs unveiled for new landmark attraction in
the city centre.

Interactive lights, Maori carvings and a vibrant magenta surface are set to turn the old Nelson Street motorway off-ramp into a must-see Auckland attraction for people to walk and cycle across when it opens later this year.

The off-ramp is being transformed into a shared path as part of the Nelson Street Cycleway, one of a network of cycleways being delivered in partnership by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), Auckland Council and Auckland Transport.

It will connect to Upper Queen Street by a new bridge off Canada Street – the last piece of which was lifted into place in mid-October – and will continue to Nelson Street where a separated cycleway is being built.

The design was developed following an online survey in June when Aucklanders called for it to be ‘modern’ and ‘distinctly New Zealand’. It includes LED lights lining the safety barriers that can interact and pulse as people pass them, as well as a strong magenta surface colour that will fade out at the northern end in a Maori design.

Political urban design champion councilor Chris Darby says: “This project shines a light on walking and cycling and offers an inspiring new way through a previously impenetrable spaghetti junction. It offers a seamless walk-across-the-rooftops connection into the city centre, with sweeping views of the city and harbour. The innovative design catches the eye and captures the imagination, heralding the future of transport across Auckland.”

A more attractive transport choice

The concept has been created by Monk Mackenzie architects and LandLAB, in association with artist Katz Maihi. Maori patterns and narrative form a core part of the designs, following discussions with iwi.

The path includes etched carvings at intervals along the length, with a 6 m pou at the entrance. The colour represents the heartwood of a freshly cut totara, with the red and pink shades strengthened to contrast with the surrounding motorway lanes.

Brett Gliddon, the NZTA’s Auckland and Northland highway manager, says: “It’s great to see the beginning of our urban cycling future here in Auckland with a wonderful facility like this. It’s helping to make cycling a safer and more attractive transport choice as well as leading the way in world-class cycling infrastructure.”

The off-ramp was closed a decade ago, and transforming it – as highlighted in the council’s city centre masterplan – has received strong support. Barbara Cuthbert, Cycle Action Auckland chair, says: “This cycleway will be the highlight of all the new projects we’ve seen in the city so far. It’ll be a beacon attracting people to walk, cycle and delight in the views – a new landmark for Auckland.”

This video demonstrates how the lights can pulse and interact – via youtube.

Streetscaping

Holes were required for the insertion of bollards in Wynyard Quarter.

Bollards are one feature of an approach to design known as streetscaping.

Our operator was required to drill through pavement, base course, and concrete to a depth of 320mm.

Sharp Concrete Cutters and Drillers Ltd

Victoria Park Market

Work continues at this historic Auckland building. Victoria Park Market

Sharp Concrete Cutters and Drillers

Expansion Cutting

Expansion cutting is required for newly laid slabs, driveways, and other concrete structures.

Expansion cutting

A “controlled crack” to counter the concrete’s natural expansion
Prevents unsightly cracks as the concrete “moves” and flexes along these pre-cut lines
Provides an ascetic enhancement.

For an even artier finish, Sharp Concrete Cutters and Drillers provide a decorative cutting service.

xpansion Cutting

Bar Sawing

bar sawing When it comes to the business of cutting and drilling concrete, a bad attitude is usually unwelcome. Except it that bad attitude is referring to a piece of equipment.

Sharp Concrete Cutters and Drillers provides a bar sawing service using a ICS 880F4 Bar Saw. As pictured below this is a “great saw with a bad attitude”.

Quiet
Smooth
Powerful
Rugged

It operates on a hydraulic power system and so is suitable for indoor and outdoor applications.

Bar Sawing

Ideal for square corners
Ideal for narrow deep cutting
Ideal for small openings.
Ideal for avoiding over cuts

More about the ICS 880F4 Bar Saw

The 880F4 cutting system offers the superior strength of FORCE4™ technology in a package that meets industry standards of design and ergonomics. Built for the hardcore cutter, this sleek powerhouse is packed with features designed to make it the hardest working saw ICS® has ever made.

The ICS 880F4 Bar Saw was supplied to Sharp Concrete Cutters and Drillers by Holer Diamond Tools.

Six Technicians on One Job

Six of our Concrete Cutting and Drilling Technicians worked together today on one job site. This is a rare occurrence as most of the jobs are spread across the city in any given day.

The sound of six petrol powered hand saws running simultaneously was a thing of symphonic beauty. This could only be achieved because our crew is big enough to handle the big jobs and yet small enough to do the best job every time.

This work was carried out for Federal Group at Station Road in Onehunga.